You don't have to have a foot fetish to love getting spa pedicures. Your feet will appreciate the break, and you'll be proud to sport your sandals and open-toe shoes once you're done.
Spa Pedicures: Pure Pampering
It isn't often that a woman's feet get to relax. Constantly on the go, with careers, family, and other commitments, women take more than they deserve - and their feet often pay the price.. Making the time to visit the beauty salon for spa visits rejuvenates the feet and keeps them looking their best. A good pedicurist will soak your feet in treated water and offer a soothing massage, often with a comforting oil or hot stones. Some pedicures even contain luxurious ingredients, like fruits, chocolate or champagne, to heighten the experience and provide additional benefits to the skin. Many salons also offer clients massage chairs that target areas of the neck and back--an extra perk for women who need some downtime.
Spa Sanitation
The spa or salon where you are going for your pedicure should adhere to proper sanitizing procedures. Look for spas and salons that thoroughly sanitize metal instruments and disinfect surfaces in between clients. Clean towels and proper hand washing are also important to keep bacteria, fungus, and viruses from spreading during pedicures and foot treatments.
Pedicure Services
Most spas offer a range of pedicure services to meet your needs. Basic spa pedicures may include exfoliation, cuticle care, filing and shaping of the nails, and polishing or buffing the nails. Additional pedicure services that may be offered include:
- Callus removal
- Glycolic foot peel
- Paraffin wax foot treatment
- Reflexology
- Microdermabrasion for the feet
- Whirlpool foot soaks
- Foot masks or wraps
- Salt scrubs
- Aromatherapy foot treatment
- Foot and calf massage
- Foot massage with oil
- French pedicure
- Specialty pedicures -- nail art, decals
- Deep moisturization/hydration foot treatments
- Citrus soaks
Men's Pedicures
Sometimes referred to as racer or sport pedicures, men's pedicures usually includes nail clipping, foot exfoliation, and filing and buffing of the nails. Foot and calf massage, natural looking protective polish, whirlpool soaks, and other treatments are also available for men.
When to Get a Pedicure
Pedicures can be enjoyed anytime of the year, but are especially popular during spring and summer months when your feet and toes are more likely to be shown in public.
Winter is a good time for spa pedicures including hydrating treatments since winter weather tends to dry out the skin.
Pedicures should be done no more than once a week. While weekly manicures are often suggested, you can actually go several weeks between pedicures since the toenails have a slower growth rate than fingernails.
Wear or bring sandals to your appointment to allow your nails to dry thoroughly afterwards.
When to Avoid
Whenever any disorder or fungus, including athlete's foot, is suspected, you should avoid getting a pedicure from a spa or salon. Wait until the condition clears completely before resuming pedicures and other foot treatments.
Spa Packages
Many spas offer other services in package deals that include their pedicures, such as manicures, massage, and facials. If you are interested in more than one service or treatment, this could be a money-saving option for you.
You can also find kits for spa pedicures available in a wide variety of price ranges. Some come with professional tools and everything you need for a pedicure and foot pampering.
Popular Products
Looking for good brands and products? Most drug stores and department stores usually carry a great selection of foot care and pedicure products. Browse online beauty stores or talk to your nail technician for suggestions. Following are a few popular home spa pedicure items:
- Burt's Bees Foot Care Kit
- Sephora Professional Pedicure/Manicure Kit
- Estee Lauder Smoothing Feet Pedicure Cream
- Barielle's Total Foot Recovery System
- Sally Hansen's Beyond Perfect Foot Cream
- HoMedics Foot Spas
- Miracle Products' pumice stones
- Essie Exfoliating Foot Scrub
- Tammy Taylor Peach Pedicure/Manicure Set
Focus on Your Foot Health
Many people think of pedicures as an unnecessary cost, but these treatments do contribute to your overall foot health. Schedule a regular appointment and enjoy these benefits:
- Softer foot skin
- Better circulation
- Smoother looking nails
- Dead skin removal
- Cuticle care
Finish off your pedicure with a pretty nail polish. Try a vibrant shade pink or peach during the warmer months; opt for more dramatic shades, like dark berry or a shiny metallic bronze, during fall.
Splurge On Yourself
Your feet work almost constantly, carrying you off to work, play and home. Splurge on your feet and treat yourself weekly, bi-weekly or monthly. By treating them, they'll always look tidy, your nails will always be freshly done and your feet will feel much more relaxed.
